31 March 2025
The lives of women and their children are at risk, as new research finds women’s refuges in NSW are struggling to afford the cost of supporting victim-survivors of domestic violence on temporary visas.
New data from Domestic Violence NSW (DVNSW), the peak body for specialist domestic and family violence services in the state, reveals that 38 women’s refuges spent approximately $320,000 collectively over a three-month period to support women on temporary visas. However, they receive no funding support from the NSW government to do so – adding immense strain to an already overwhelmed sector.
The new report titled ‘Breaking Barriers: Improving access to refuge accommodation for women on temporary visas in NSW’, found 195 women on temporary visas accompanied by 112 children – including 36 Australian children – sought refuge from domestic violence over a three-month period in NSW.
Delia Donovan, CEO of DVNSW, said the data uncovers a dark reality that threatens the safety of women and children.
“Women’s refuges in NSW are often left with impossible decisions about which victim-survivors can receive support. As a result of limited resourcing and exit pathways, these women and children are often unable to secure a place in refuge. With approximately 1 in 3 of the children affected being Australian citizens, it’s Australian children who are also being denied access to safe housing.”
In Australia, over 25% of people killed in the context of domestic violence between 2000 – 2022 were born outside the country, with 12.8% holding temporary visas at the time of their death (DVDRT, 2024).
With little to no income, and very limited access to government support payments, women on temporary visas and their accompanying children, can be forced to stay in refuges for up to four years. Often, it’s a choice between homelessness or returning to abuse.
“This is not just a federal issue, but a responsibility for all the states and territories. The Victorian government introduced a $1.8million support package over four years for refuges to support victim-survivors on temporary visas. This package included providing wrap around care such as legal support, so women and children can move out of refuges into more secure housing – freeing up space for others in need as well,” Ms Donovan continued.
“Every person should have access to safety and the chance to support themselves. We call on the NSW government to follow suit and address this issue to ensure no women and children are forced into homelessness because of a visa status.”
Among the recommendations in DVNSW’s report is the need for the NSW government to commit $12 million over two years for a pilot program that will provide essential and culturally appropriate support to victim-survivors in women’s refuges and migrant and refugee specialist services. We have called for a further $3.45 million in brokerage over two years to meet the vital needs for women on temporary visas in refuges.
This funding would help ensure women and children receive the right support the first time they seek help, so they don’t return to violence.